Fiat-Chrysler seals deal with Canadian workers

Fiat-Chrysler seals deal with Canadian workers

Italian-US automaker Fiat-Chrysler confirmed it struck a deal with the union representing its 10,000 workers in Canada. The two parties negotiated an agreement at the eleventh hour, in time to prevent workers from going on strike.

The deal involves more than $400 million in new investments for factory upgrades and wage gains granted by General Motors last month, according to the union.

“We debated and argued but ultimately as we got to the deadline Fiat Chrysler agreed to match the pattern established by General Motors,” Unifor president Jerry Dias told reporters.

The pact secures two 2% pay increases over the next four years for traditional workers, while new hires will be granted yearly wage increases after the first year in contrast to the previous arrangement of having to wait three years.

Fiat Chrysler will also shell out $325 million to set up a new paint shop at its assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, which will result in a much-needed upgrade.

Fiat Chrysler union members are expected to vote on the deal this weekend.